In politics, it is foolish to take actions that may come back to haunt you at a later time. So why would Governor LePage publicly announce support for any candidate in a Maine Legislative Republican Primary Race?

Governor LePage announced Friday June 8th that he would be supporting the OPPONENTS of Republican Kathleen Caso running for the Maine Senate DISTRICT 29 (Washington County and parts of Hancock County) and Republican James Emerson running for the Maine Senate DISTRICT 33 (Penobscot County).

Kathleen Caso, a Washington County Tea Party Leader, worked tirelessly as the Washington County Coordinator for the 2010 LePage Campaign. It is widely known that LePage may not have succeeded in Washington County without Kathleen Caso's steadfast efforts on his behalf.

Meanwhile, Kathleen Caso's opponent in the State Senate race voted AGAINST LePage in the Gubenetorial primary. While serving in the House, he even voted against LePage's hydro bill which would have boosted Maine's economy. Despite all this, Governor LePage came out in public support of Kathleen Caso's opponent.

This doesn't appear to be an isolated incident either. A similar story has emerged in the primary race for State Senate District 33, where Governor LePage has recently endorsed the establishment opponent of conservative James Emerson.

Are you confused by this? We are too.
We have always considered LePage an ally of conservatives and the Tea Party.

So what's going on here?
Could it be that this is part of the “good ole’ boy” network rearing its ugly head again? Is it politically savvy to alienate any individual that you may have to work with and depend on supporting your agenda and possible re-election to the Blaine House? Is it wise to endorse the opponent of a supporter who worked so hard to get you elected?

We are ardent supporters of the Governor’s policies and efforts to reform state government. We also stand by our principles and must part with the Governor when it comes to this issue! We have spoken to Kathleen and James and fully support their efforts against the established party darlings.

I urge you to do whatever you can to help Kathleen and James with whatever means you can in the waning days of the primary campaign. Call friends, family, and neighbors and let them know you support Kathleen and James and encourage them to vote on Tuesday, June 12!

If you are also confused about Governor LePage's recent actions, please contact the Governor's Office NOW to express your concern.

Actually, no, not confused at all. I think the Governor can choose which candidates he likes just like any other citizen. And he may like them for any variety of reasons that Brackey doesn't even know about.

This is tough race to pick sides on, with both candidates making an excellent case for why they should be the nominee. So somebody got to LePage and he endorsed Burns, and Eric is asking his friends to contact LePage and ask him to reconsider.

In politics, it is foolish to take actions that may come back to haunt you at a later time.

Really Thar? Sounds like he is threatening the governor with future support. Kind of ironicly funny though that Brackey can't take his own advice. Attacking the governor and referring to people as "establishment party darlings" isn't going to exactly win him any support.

Apollo, I am going to type real slow now. Pay attention. This movement is not about Ron or Rand Paul. It is not about you or I. It is about a whole lot of P***ed off people who are fed up. If Ron Paul dropped dead tomorrow, God forbid, the mindset would go on.

You assign a person to the movement so you can fight him. The movement is a mindset, not a person, and we all know that you cannot fight a mindset. I respect your desire to keep the status quo, but it ain't happening.

Hoping not to offend anyone, but this needs to be said! Apollo, do you have a "man-crush" on Ron Paul? Your pre-occupation with all things "Paul" is leaving me with the feeling you need to seek immediate psychological help! (lmao)

The governor, like all politicians, must live with the decisions they make. I don't know why he made the decision he did. Maybe you should stop by the Blaine House and ask him Apollo if you're that concerned about it. When it comes time for re-election he'll have to answer for all his decisions.

Actually, the posts by Bob S. and David are helpful. I didn't realize until now that Eric and David are no longer part of the Ron Paul campaign. When did that happen? Was there an annoucement? I guess I'm just surprised that after winning at the state convention less than 2 months ago, they aren't part of the Paul campaign anymore. So, I'm going to change the thread headline. Also, Eric's email expressing anger with the governor takes on a whole new meaning. If he is representing his group and not Ron Paul's campaign, there really isn't anything wrong with it. Not that I agree with him.

Why would they still be on the RP campaign, Apollo? . . . none of us volunteers are anymore either . . . but we are very much engaged politically and we have become leaders of a very important voting block right now and in the future within the Maine Republican Party . . . It may be to your advantage to work with us and not against us . . . Our message is very, very, popular with the voters . . . Bob S. states it very well. Best, Violet.

LePage great governor for worst times. Maine could not have been worse off when he took over. The man is a turnaround expert, not perfect or a saint. Personally will never agree with him 100% but unaware of anyone else who could have preempted a Libby Mitchell reign.

There is another group in Maine called the "Republican Liberty Caucus". It has been around for several years and was being run by Ken Lindell. Is this new Liberty group part of it or working with Ken Lindell?

Where have you been? there are Rockefeller republicans and there are Goldwater republicans, there are Bush republicans and there are Buchanan republicans, there are Maine republicans and there are DC republicans, there are Romney republicans and there are Ron Paul republicans.

There are NDAA republicans and there are liberty republicans.

PS There are racist dog hating republicans and there are anarchist puppy mill republicans.

While the email that Apollo posted is signed by Brakey as from the “Republican Liberty Activist,” Boyer’s and Brakey’s new political action committee is officially filed as “Defense of Liberty” with Maine Ethics. They are headquartered in the Mecca of the rural, work class of Maine – Falmouth. The last filing period shows no fundraising activity, but $2,600 in in-kind contributions for office space and website startup.

Gov. LePage knows that the success of his agenda for the next legislative session hinges on Republican majorities in the House and Senate. To that end, he’s attempting to put the GOP’s best foot forward and endorsing candidates who have won elections, have strong records of service, and in his judgment, have supported his agenda in the current Legislature. Brakey mistakenly attempts to characterize this as the “establishment” fostering the “good ole boy” network.

The truth is that Gov. LePage is demonstrating political savvy that Brakey has yet to obtain.

I'm not sure what your point is Mike G, but filing with Maine Ethics as a candidate or PAC is the law of the land in Maine and everyone - Republican, Democrat, or otherwise - is expected to operate within the law.

I live in Senate District 33. What the heck is Brakey doing kibbitzing in Maine? He sounds unstable to me. He's drugged on Ron Paul. One can do a google check of Brakey. The 23 year old who's either from Ohio or NYC claims to be in control of the Maine Republican Party. THE DAILY PAUL. READ MORE HERE Does he even live here?

I've decided, based on Brakey's support of Jim Emerson, to vote for Andre Cushing for Senate District 33 in the Repblican primary tomorrow..

David Boyer wrote: "Let's be real, if the Democrats take the House, Ron Paul supporters will be scapegoat." This is true.

Let's be real. Hardworking Republicans like Andre Cushing spent years helping to recruit Republican candidates to run for the state legislature. Andre has a public record. I know him. Who is David Boyer? Has he ever served in public office? Who is Eric Brakey? Where did he come from? Does one have to their blessings to run and serve in the state legislature?

It probably would have been better for Brackey to urge support for the candidates he likes instead of going negative and attacking the candidates he doesn't like. And then compounding the error by attacking a governor that is very popular with Republicans and labeling people as "establishment party darlings". I think that Brackey is going to find that any "liberty" candidate in the future is going to have a primary challenger.

It should not be forgotten that Gov LePage was going to support Olympia Snowe had she chosen to run for another term. Considering the luke warm support the governor received from the legislative leadership I do find his decision a little odd. We should be seeking candidates who want to go to Augusta to make real change in this state, not to simply perpetuate a party majority or their own political future. There is no doubt that the Tea Party candidates stand for change. I hope the same is true of the other candidates.